Universal rating system for pocket billiard players

ABSTRACT

A universal ratings system for pocket billiards players uses the break inning as the baseline or foundation for measuring each player&#39;s ability and for deriving an average value therefrom that determines a numerical rating for each player, with ratings system applicable to billiard games such as Eight-Ball, Nine-Ball, and Ten-Ball, with the number of scored breaks, and minimum scored breaks, requisite for determining a rating being between 10 and 200, and each particular break inning count resulting and determined from the number of object balls left on the table prior to a miss, scratch, or foul which actions terminate that particular break inning for the respective billiard game.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/766,929 filed Feb. 21, 2006.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a recreational and competitive game rating system, and more particularly pertains to a universal rating system for pocket billiard players that uses the break inning as the baseline for measuring and rating each player's pocket billiard ability.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ratings systems and measurement systems have long been associated with numerous types of recreational and/or competitive games. The various ratings and measurement systems are important, meaningful, and quite often a requirement for participation in many competitive games and sports. Ratings and measurement systems are common in sports ranging from golf and horse racing to ping pong and rodeo riding; from auto racing and tennis to weightlifting and chess. Both the participants and the spectators need to have, as it were, a “ruler” to measure and compare each player's performance over a session, season, and even career; and to measure, compare and evaluate the performance, over a determinate time period, of all players engaged in a particular sport to each other.

Pocket billiards is also a sport, both recreational and competitive, where ratings and measurement systems are utilized to grade and rank individual competitors by skill, league, specific billiard room, and also by particular billiard game (for example, Eight-Ball, Nine-Ball, and Ten-Ball). The player, performer or athlete, including the pocket billiard player, needs to know how he or she “measures” up to the standards and criteria of the particular sport, and also to the relevant competition. Thus, ratings and measurement systems provide answers to numerous pertinent skill and performance questions such as: how well is the athlete or player currently performing; how well is the athlete or player performing compared to his or her best game; is the athlete or player improving; where does the athlete or player stand in comparison to other athletes or players in their particular section, conference, level, or league; can the athlete or player play and compete against a particular player; does the player need a spot or should the player give a spot (this is in reference to pocket billiard ratings systems); can a given athlete or player play and compete in a certain event; is a given athlete or player a favorite in his or her conference, level, league, or division; is the athlete or player an underdog in the given competition; what is the ability of the athlete or player in comparison to a novice; and what is the ability of the athlete or player in comparison to a professional.

Many ratings and measurement systems and methods exist for rating pocket billiard players playing on bar tables and regulation tables, and playing well-known billiard games as Eight-Ball, Nine-Ball, and Ten-Ball. Such ratings and measurement systems and methods do not take into account the various factors and conditions that affect the player and the player's equipment. Such factors and conditions including: the levelness and wear of the slate; the condition of the cloth (composition, finish on the cloth, dirt and chalk on the cloth and wear of the cloth); lighting; weather conditions such as humidity and temperature; and the condition of the pool balls such as whether or not the balls are dirty, polished and the degree of wear. Nonetheless, it is desirable to use a universal ratings system that measures and rates each player when they are performing at their best and is able to filter out play under adverse conditions by taking into account a defined number of consecutive events, and excluding all others that provides the basis for the rating system for each particular billiard player.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprehends a universal rating system for billiard players that utilize the break inning of various pool games as the baseline or foundation for the rating system. Among the most commonly played billiard games are Eight-Ball, Nine-Ball, and Ten-Ball, and the rating system of the present invention is developed from the break innings of these games. The rating system of the present invention doesn't require the player to alter their game or even be cognizant that their performance is being recorded. Each player's ability is measured against the game, and more specifically measures his or her skill as defined by the break inning, and not against another player or a field of players. Thus, if enough of a billiard player's game can be contained within one simple and objective measurement, such a measurement should be satisfactory for determining a player's billiard ability.

The universal rating system of the present invention uses the break inning as the baseline or foundation for measurement because of its simplicity, ease of replication, and the range of elements pertaining to each player's ability directly and indirectly measurable therefrom. Among the elements indirectly measured from the break inning are: the power and velocity of the cue ball on the break; the control of the cue ball on the break; the ability to pocket one or more balls on the break; the position on the one ball (for Nine- and Ten-Ball), and the position on a ball after the break; the high low selection of the balls (for Eight-Ball); pattern reading and recognizing trouble with regard to the distribution of the balls on the break; the ability to get at and move through the trouble ball(s); breaking out balls; direct shot-making ability; the ability to execute kicks, jumps, banks, combinations, and caroms; the ability to execute imaginative and creative shots; position play ability; ability to run out; and the ability to get to and have the confidence to pocket the eight ball, the nine ball, or the ten ball.

In addition, the universal rating system of the present invention includes score sheets designed for recording the breaking inning measurement for each type of game such as Eight-Ball, Nine-Ball, and Ten-Ball. It should be noted that the rating system allows for the more particular measurement by break inning by type of table, i.e., break inning counts recorded on regulation tables and break inning counts recorded on bar tables. To derive a full average for regulation table Eight-Ball, at least 100 consecutive break inning counts are required while for bar table Eight-Ball, at least 50 consecutive scored breaks are required; to derive a full average for regulation table Nine-Ball, 100 consecutive scored breaks are required while for bar table Nine-Ball 50 consecutive scored breaks are required; to derive a measured average for regulation table Ten-Ball, 100 consecutive scored breaks are required while for bar table Ten-Ball 50 consecutive scored breaks are required. Finally, it should be noted that for all of the above measurement determinations, if a player is not permitted to continue to shoot after the break, then the break count for that break inning does not count toward the average; and, conversely, the player must be able to continue to shoot after the break in order for that break inning to count toward the calculated and measured average.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a universal rating system for pocket billiard players that provides a precise path for rating all players' abilities at multiple games and at various table sizes.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a universal rating system for pocket billiard players in which the recording of each player's performance is simple, easy to do, and is not burdensome and easy to understand.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a universal rating system for pocket billiard players that is not distracting and permits the players to play their game as part of the rating process.

It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide a universal rating system for pocket billiard players that indirectly addresses adverse equipment and playing conditions such as humidity, dirty tables, sticky pool balls, and tight pockets.

It is still yet a further object of the present invention to provide a universal rating system for pocket billiard players that provides a simple, direct, quantitative connection between a player's performance and a player's rating.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a universal rating system for pocket billiard players in which the ratings are earned and precise, and provide goals for the players.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a universal rating system for pocket billiard players that doesn't require a recordation of every shot of a given billiard player to measure that player's ability.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a universal rating system for pocket billiard players that is prestigious and gives the players a sense of accomplishment.

These and other objects, features, and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a perusal of the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the universal rating system of the present invention illustrating the arrangement of the billiard balls on a billiard table for a game of Eight-Ball prior to the break;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the universal rating system of the present invention illustrating the arrangement of the billiard balls on a billiard table for a game of Eight-Ball after the break;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the universal rating system of the present invention illustrating the distribution of the balls about the table surface, and the pocketing of a certain number of the billiard balls, at the conclusion of a representative break inning;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the universal rating system of the present invention illustrating the arrangement of billiard balls on a billiard table for a game of Nine-Ball prior to the break;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the universal rating system of the present invention illustrating the arrangement of billiard balls on a billiard table for a game of Nine-Ball after the break;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the universal rating system of the present invention illustrating the distribution of the balls about the table surface, and the pocketing of a certain number of the billiard balls, at the conclusion of a representative break inning;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the universal rating system of the present invention illustrating the arrangement of billiard balls on a billiard table for a game of Ten-Ball prior to the break;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the universal rating system of the present invention illustrating the arrangement of billiard balls on a billiard table for a game of Ten-Ball after the break;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the universal rating system of the present invention illustrating the distribution of the balls about the table surface, and the pocketing of a certain number of the billiard balls, at the conclusion of a representative break inning;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for the universal rating system of the present invention for obtaining each player's current average rating, recording and calculating various types of averages such as the best average, and reviewing and validating such player averages as the current average and best average.

FIG. 11 is a front and back view of a representative universal rating system card for scoring Eight-Ball playing alternate breaks for regulation or bar tables including instructions for use;

FIG. 12 is a front and back view of a representative universal rating system card for scoring Eight-Ball playing for break inning count only for regulation or bar tables including instructions for use;

FIG. 13 is a front and back view of a representative universal rating system card for scoring Nine-Ball playing alternate breaks for regulation or bar tables including instructions for use;

FIG. 14 is a front and back view of a representative universal rating system card for scoring Nine-Ball playing for break inning count only for regulation or bar tables including instructions for use;

FIG. 15 is a front and back view of a representative universal rating system card for scoring Ten-Ball playing alternate breaks for regulation or bar tables including instructions for use; and,

FIG. 16 is a front and back view of a representative universal rating system card for scoring Ten-Ball playing for break inning count only for regulation or bar tables including instructions for use

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 16 is a universal ratings system for pocket billiard players. Such well-known pocket billiard games as Eight-Ball, Nine-Ball, or Ten-Ball are played under standardized rules. The universal ratings system of the present invention measures the one condition of the game—the break inning—that includes almost all of the player's ability. The initial condition is identical for all players; and this condition is then isolated and measured. The universal ratings system is made simple enough for understanding by any pocket billiard player. Thus, the player's performance is measured numerically, and this number represents a direct quantitative correlation to a player's ability. Each player accumulates multiple performances from which an average is developed with the player's best average used to determine his or her rating. Among the uses and advantages of developing a player rating from the break of a given pocket billiard game is that accurately rated players can participate in various types of events and activities with other players at the commensurate rating; rated players can participate in team events where no handicap is required; and the numerical averages are used to develop handicaps between players of different abilities.

In order to more completely understand the universal ratings system of the present invention, it is essential to understand the following terminological definitions:

Break count: the number of object balls remaining on the table at the conclusion of the break inning;

Scored break: the break count that is counted toward a player's average and rating where a player continues to shoot after he or she breaks the balls;

Current average: the average calculated from a player's most recent 50 scored breaks on a bar table or 100 most recent scored breaks on a regulation table. This average is the break count divided by the number of consecutive scored breaks. A minimum of 10 scored breaks is required to be considered a current average. A current average can be either a partial average or a full average.

Partial average: an average where a player has between 10 and 49 scored breaks on a bar table, or between 10 and 99 scored breaks on a regulation table.

Full average: an average of precisely 50 consecutive scored breaks on a bar table, or precisely 100 consecutive scored breaks on a regulation table.

Best average: the average that is determined to be either a player's best full average using scored breaks from the most recent two years or if a player has a partial average, then the player's current average becomes the player's best average.

Partial average: the average a player obtains from between 10 and 49 scored breaks on a bar table, or from between 10 and 99 scored breaks on a regulation table.

Best full average: the player's average obtained from 50 consecutive scored breaks on a bar table, or the average obtained from 100 consecutive scored breaks on a regulation table, both averages obtained within the most recent two years.

Division: a name or letter designation in place of the first number in a player's best average.

Level: the second number in a player's average, a number between 0-9, designating level within a division.

Rating: a player's best average interpreted into a division and level. A rating can be either a partial rating or a full rating.

Partial rating: the rating obtained where a player has between 10 and 99 scored breaks on a bar table; or, between 10 and 199 scored breaks on a regulation table.

Full rating: a rating where a player has a minimum of 100 scored breaks on a bar table; or, a minimum of 200 scored breaks on a regulation table.

Player status: the determination that results from a player's rating reviewed and validated by a player status committee.

Certified status (C): the status fully earned by a player through recording break counts. The player must have at least 100 scored breaks on a bar table or at least 200 scored breaks on a regulation table in the most recent two years. The player status committee must agree with the player's best average. A player with certified status has/his rating listed on the rating list.

Provisional status (P): an incomplete status that is earned by a player through recording break counts. The player must have between 10 and 99 scored breaks on a bar table or the player must have between 10 and 199 scored breaks on a regulation table in the most recent two years. The player status committee must agree with the player's best average. A player with provisional status has his or her rating listed on the rating list.

Designated status (D): an incomplete status for a player that must have between 1 and 99 scored breaks on a bar table or the player must have between 1 and 199 scored breaks on a regulation table in the most recent two years. The player status committee must disagree with the player's best average. The player status committee assigns an estimated fair rating. The player competes with this rating in the league and where permitted. A player with a designated status will not have his or her rating listed on the rating list.

Invalid status (I): a dubious status with negative consequences. A player can have any number of scored breaks. The player status committee must disagree with the player's best average. The player status committee assigns an estimated fair rating. The player is only allowed to compete with this rating in the league. A player with invalid status will not have his or her rating listed on the rating list.

Although the universal ratings system of the present invention can be used to rate the skill of players for numerous pocket billiard games, the ratings system is especially applicable for the following three popular billiard games: Eight-Ball, Nine-Ball, and Ten-Ball. Thus, Eight-Ball is a call shot game played with a cue ball and 15 object balls (including the eight ball), numbered one through 15. One player must pocket balls of the group numbered one through seven (the solid colors), while the other player must pocket balls of the group numbered nine through 15 (stripes). The player that pockets either group first, and then legally pockets the eight ball, wins the game. FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate a pool table 10 having pockets 12 with billiard balls 14, including a cue ball 16, racked for playing a game of Eight-Ball. The table surface 18 of billiard table 10 is further delineated by cushions 20 that extend about table 10, and a head string 22, a center string 24, and a foot string 26 that extend across playing surface 18 of table 10. Centrally located on head string 22 is a head spot 28; centrally located on center string 24 is a center spot 30; and centrally located on foot string 26 is a foot spot 32. More specifically, FIG. 1 shows the configuration of billiard balls 14 prior to the break; and, FIG. 2 shows a representative distribution of billiard balls 14 (balls 14 left on table surface 18 in comparison to balls 14 pocketed by being deposited in pockets 12) at the conclusion of the break inning. It is from the number of balls 14 left on table 10 as shown in FIG. 2 that the break count—and ultimately the player's rating—is determined.

Nine-Ball is played with nine billiard balls 56 numbered one through nine and the cue ball 58. On each shot, the first ball 56 the cue ball 58 contacts must be the lowest numbered ball on the table, but the balls need not be pocketed in order. If a player pockets any ball on a legal shot, he remains at the table for another shot and continues until missing, committing a foul, or winning the game by pocketing the nine-ball. After a miss, the incoming player must shoot from the position left by the previous player, but after any foul the incoming player may start with the cue ball anywhere on the table. Players are not required to call any shot. A match ends when one of the players has won the required number of games. FIGS. 4 through 6 illustrate a pool table 36 having pockets 38 and which is racked for a game of Nine-Ball. Billiard table 36 is further delineated by cushions 40 that extend about table 36, and a foot string 42, a center string 44 and a head string 46 all of which extend transversely across playing surface 48 of billiard table 36. In addition, a foot spot 50 is centrally located on foot string 42; a center spot 52 is centrally located on center string 44; and a head spot 54 is centrally located on head string 46. As shown in FIG. 4, billiard balls 56 are arranged in a diamond shape with billiard ball 56 denoted the one ball being on the top of the diamond and on foot spot 50, billiard ball 56 denoted the nine ball in the center of the diamond, and the other billiard balls 56 arranged in random order, racked as tightly as possible. The game of Nine-Ball commences with cue ball 58 in hand behind head string 46. FIG. 6 shows a representative distribution of billiard balls 56 at the conclusion of a representative break inning with several balls 56 deposited in pockets 38, and billiard balls 56 remaining on table surface 48 defining the break count and providing the basis from which the rating of the player is derived and measured.

Shown in FIGS. 7 through 9 is an arrangement for playing Ten-Ball. A billiard table 60 having pockets 62 and cushions 64 that extend about playing surface 66 of table 60 is shown. Ten-Ball is played with ten billiard balls 68 numbered one through ten and the cue ball 70. On each shot, the first ball 68 the cue ball 70 contacts must be the lowest numbered ball on the table, but the balls need not be pocketed in order. If a player pockets any ball on a legal shot, he remains at the table for another shot and continues until missing, committing a foul, or winning the game by pocketing the nine-ball. After a miss, the incoming player must shoot from the position left by the previous player, but after any foul the incoming player may start with the cue ball anywhere on the table. Players are not required to call any shot. A match ends when one of the players has won the required number of games. FIGS. 7 through 9 illustrate a pool table 60 having pockets 62 and which is racked for a game of Ten-Ball. Billiard table 60 is further delineated by cushions 64 that extend about table 60, and a foot string 72, a center string 74 and a head string 76 all of which extend transversely across playing surface 68 of billiard table 60. In addition, a foot spot 78 is centrally located on foot string 72; a center spot 80 is centrally located on center string 74; and a head spot 82 is centrally located on head string 76. As shown in FIG. 7, billiard balls 68 are arranged in a diamond shape with billiard ball 68 denoted the one ball being on the top of the diamond and on foot spot 78, billiard ball 68 denoted the ten ball in the center of the diamond, and the other billiard balls 68 arranged in random order, racked as tightly as possible. The game of Ten-Ball commences with cue ball 70 in hand behind head string 76. FIG. 7 shows a representative distribution of billiard balls 68 at the conclusion of a representative break inning with several balls 68 deposited in pockets 62, and billiard balls 68 remaining on table surface 66 defining the break count and providing the basis from which the rating of the player is derived and measured.

Thus, as described above, in such representative billiard games as Eight-Ball, Nine-Ball, and Ten-Ball, the measurement for determining the player rating will be measured by how close he or she gets to winning the game from his or her break inning. At the conclusion of the break inning, a count is made of the billiard balls remaining on the table, and this count is recorded. The break count is the number of billiard balls (object balls) remaining on the table at the conclusion of a break inning. The lower the break count, the better the performance.

The single repeatable condition that is identical for all players is when the player addresses the billiard table to break the billiard balls. A player's nearly total billiard playing ability can be summarized and quantified by measuring multiple performances of this break inning. Each player must be able to continue to shoot during the break inning, after he or she breaks the balls in order for his or her performance to count toward the measurement.

The billiard ball on the break percentage is more indicative regarding the difficulty of the particular billiard table than indicative of the player's ability. For this reason a break inning where at least one billiard ball is not pocketed on the break will provide a measure of the table.

In the above-described representative billiard games—Eight-Ball, Nine-Ball, and Ten-Ball—the measurement, and thus the particular player rating is measured not by the number of billiard balls, but instead by how many 8, 9, or 10 balls the player makes in those respective games. If the player does not make the winning ball, how close does the player get to pocketing the winning ball? As an example, a break count of five means that at the conclusion of the break inning, the player was five balls away from winning the game. In fact there is little difference between counting the billiard balls left on the table versus counting the billiard balls pocketed other than the appearance of numbers and letters. The end result is the same except that the reading of the average and player rating is inverted. Counting billiard (object) balls left on the table has been selected for four primary reasons: 1.) it is easier for the player to count the billiard (object) balls in front of him or her; 2.) the measurement is in direct relation to the winning ball; 3.) having a system where a lower number is better reveals the ultimate target goal to be zero for all games; and, 4.) alphabetically and numerically a break count standings ladder moves in the direction of the numbers and alphabet—A is better than B and B is better than C, 1 is better than 2 and 2 is better than 3, and so on. As a result the actual measurement is thus the measurement of the player's break inning performance. The two measurement options are inverses of each other and amount to the same measurement with the same results.

With reference to the table below listed table 1 and the flow chart set forth in FIG. 7, the following rules and algorithm for developing a player average for the above-described games (Eight-Ball, Nine-Ball, and Ten-Ball) will be explained. First, only scored breaks count toward an average. An average consists of a minimum of 10, and up to but not more than (X), consecutive scored breaks. The Y % of scored breaks are dropped as follows: determine the number of consecutive scored breaks to be averaged; keeping in mind that the maximum number allowable is (X). Then determine how many scored breaks comprise (Y) % of the total scored breaks to be averaged by multiplying Y times the number of scored breaks. If Y % includes a fraction of a scored break, drop the fraction. The number remaining is the number of scored breaks to be identified and dropped before the average is calculated. Then identify and drop the worst (highest numbered) scored breaks up to Y %. Then total up the billiard ball count of all remaining break counts and divide that number by the number of break counts used to determine the ball count total. The average that results is truncated to one decimal point, and a dash replaces the decimal point. The average thus reads like a height reading: for example, 3.4 become 3-4, and 4.7 become 4-7.

PER- NUMBER CENT OF SCORED SELECT A GAME (Y) BREAKS (X) REGULATION-TABLE EIGHT-BALL R-8 10 100 BAR-TABLE EIGHT-BALL B-8 10 50 REGULATION-TABLE NINE-BALL R-9 20 100 BAR-TABLE NINE-BALL B-9 20 50 REGULATION-TABLE TEN-BALL R-10 30 100 BAR-TABLE TEN-BALL B-10 30 50

The current average is calculated from a player's most recent (X) consecutive scored breaks. If a player has less than (X) scored breaks recorded, then a partial average becomes the current average. Partial average consists of the entire player's scored breaks where the player has only recorded from 10 to (X−1) scored breaks. Full average consists of (X) consecutive scored breaks.

The universal rating system of the present invention also provides for means and method of handicapping of any given player's abilities. It should be noted that the best events are when handicaps are not used. In addition, the most successful recreational pocket billiard events are team competitions comprised of teams with two to five members. The rating system provides a vehicle and measuring system whereby no handicaps are needed. In forming a league or event, by designating that teams may not have a cumulative best average of less than a certain number, teams will adjust their membership in accordance to the rule. At the same time, the teams will attempt to get as close to the target number allowable. Teams may be required to not only have a cumulative average of less than a certain number; teams may also have to be qualified to participate by having a cumulative average of not more than a certain number. Hence, all teams will play even and parity will be achieved.

Since players are competitive within their respective divisions, primarily for that reason divisional events can be run without handicaps, even though better players will have an advantage. Nonetheless, handicap events have their place in the pocket billiard world. At many billiard rooms, and on off-seasons, the pool of potential participants can be small. This being the case, the only way to have a successful event with enough players entered in the event, is to open up the field to all players from all divisions. Handicaps between players and teams are a necessity to make the event fair. Handicaps are also used as a tool in developing an enormous, all-inclusive event that brings together players of all abilities, skills, and calibers.

However, there are limitations to any handicapping system. Handicap systems are largely based upon players “playing their best” and “playing their game.” If two players of disparate abilities were to have a match, the match would be non-competitive and would rely on other factors than both players “playing their best” and “playing their game.” Non-competitive matches alter both players' games, therefore inhibiting and defeating many of the reasons to play and compete. As a result handicapping is useful mostly for players of similar abilities.

The handicapping method comprises a system that works toward increasing the chances of one player winning a match against another player with both players having different—even widely varying—abilities. The following algorithm is thus used to determine the spot or handicap of the player. First, the following designations are used: A—better player's best average; B—lesser player's best average; C—better player's target score or “race to”; D—lesser player's target score or “race to”; and, E—handicap or spot.

Thus, the handicapping algorithm for eight-ball is: (C(8−B))/(8−A)=D and therefore C−D=E; the algorithm for nine-ball is: (C(9−B))/(9−A)=D and therefore C−D=E; and the algorithm for ten-ball is: (C(10−B))/(10−A)=D and therefore C−D=E. It should be noted that as data is compiled the above algorithms can be adjusted, but they serve as a foundation for the development of a fair handicap system.

FIG. 10 discloses a flow chart 86 of the rating system described in this application.

FIG. 11 discloses a score sheet 88 useful for scoring games for the universal rating system, and a statement of scoring rules is disclosed at 90.

FIG. 12 discloses a score chart 92 for recording scores for players playing Eight-Ball break innings only.

FIG. 13 shows a score card 94 for a Nine-Ball alternate breaks or winner breaks play with scoring rules 96.

FIG. 14 discloses a score sheet 98 for recording scores for players playing Nine-Ball break innings only.

FIG. 15 discloses a score card 99 for playing alternate breaks or winner breaks Ten-Ball with scoring rules 100.

FIG. 16 discloses a score sheet 101 for playing Ten-Ball break innings only.

While this invention has been shown and described in conjunction with a preferred embodiment, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications, alterations, and variations may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A method for rating the ability of a pocket billiard player that comprises the steps of: arranging a plurality of billiard balls on a table surface of a pocket billiard table in conformity with a specific pocket billiard game; striking the billiard balls with a cue ball thereby causing the billiard balls to be dispersed about the pocket billiard table; playing out an inning according to rules of a game; counting the number of billiard balls remaining on the pocket billiard table at the conclusion of a break inning; and recording the number of billiard balls remaining on the pocket billiard table at the conclusion of the break inning.
 2. The method of claim 1 providing an amended step of counting the number of pocketed billiard balls at the conclusion of a break inning.
 3. A method for rating the ability of a pocket billiard player for the pocket billiard game of Eight-Ball that comprises the steps of: arranging a plurality of billiard balls on a table surface of a billiard table in the configuration for the game of Eight-Ball; striking the billiard balls with a cue ball thereby causing the pocket billiard balls to be scattered about the table surface of the billiard table; playing out a break inning according to rules of the game; counting the number of billiard balls remaining on the pocket billiard table at the conclusion of a break inning; and recording the number of billiard balls remaining on the pocket billiard table at the conclusion of the break inning.
 4. A method for rating the ability of a pocket billiard player for the pocket billiard game of Nine-Ball that comprises the steps of: arranging a plurality of billiard balls on a table surface of a pocket billiard table in the configuration for the pocket billiard game of Nine-Ball; striking the billiard balls with a cue ball thereby causing the billiard balls to be scattered about the billiard table; playing out a break inning according to rules of the game; counting the number of billiard balls remaining on the pocket billiard table at the conclusion of the break inning; and recording the number of billiard balls remaining on the pocket billiard table at the conclusion of the break inning.
 5. A method for rating the ability of a pocket billiard player for the billiard game of Ten-Ball that comprises the steps of: arranging a plurality of billiard balls on a table surface of a pocket billiard table in the configuration of the game of Ten-Ball; striking the billiard balls with a cue ball thereby scattering the billiard balls on the table surface of the pocket billiard table; playing out a break inning according to rules of the game; counting the number of billiard balls that remain on the billiard table at the conclusion of a break inning; and recording the number of billiard balls that remain on the pocket billiard table at the conclusion of the break inning.
 6. A method for rating the playing ability of a pocket billiard player that comprises the steps of: arranging a plurality of billiard balls on a table surface of a pocket billiard table in conformity with a pocket billiard game; striking the billiard balls with a cue ball thereby scattering the billiard balls about the table surface of the billiard table; playing out a break inning according to rules of the game; counting the number of billiard balls that remain on the table surface at the conclusion of a break inning; recording the number of billiard balls that remain on the table surface as a break count for that respective break inning; calculating a player's current average from a predetermined number of consecutively scored break counts derived from consecutive break innings; determining the player's full average from the predetermined number of consecutively scored break counts derived from the consecutive break innings; reviewing the player's current average and full average for assigning a partial rating and a full rating to the player; determining a player's rating by determining the player's best average from the predetermined number of consecutively scored break counts and, validating the player's partial rating and full rating in order to assign a player status to that player.
 7. A method for determining a pocket billiard partial average for a pocket billiard player by counting the number of billiard balls remaining on a billiard table at an end of a plurality of consecutively recorded break innings defined as consecutively scored break counts that comprises the steps of: counting only scored break counts for determining the billiard player's average; using between a minimum of 10 consecutive scored break counts and a maximum of 100 consecutive scored break counts for determining the player's average; determining the number of consecutive scored break counts that are to be counted toward the average with the maximum number of allowable counted break counts being 200; multiplying the Y-percent by the number of scored break counts to be averaged; dropping any fraction that results from the above equation; identifying and dropping the worst scored break counts up to and including the whole number remaining from the above equation; totaling all of the billiard ball counts from the remaining break counts and dividing this total by number of break counts for obtaining the pocket billiard average; truncating the pocket billiard average to at least one decimal point; and obtaining the billiard player's partial average from all of the pocket billiard player's scored break counts when the number of scored break counts ranges from the minimum number of break counts to the maximum number of scored break counts minus one scored break count.
 8. The method of claim 7 comprising the additional step of developing the partial average for a bar pocket billiard table from between 10 and 49 consecutive scored break counts on the bar pocket billiard table.
 9. The method of claim 7 comprising the additional step of developing the partial average for a regulation pocket billiard table from between 10 and 99 consecutive scored break counts on the regulation pocket billiard table.
 10. A method for determining a pocket billiard current average for a pocket billiard player by counting a number of billiard balls remaining on a pocket billiard table at the end of a break inning with all of the break innings defining a plurality of consecutively scored break counts that comprises the steps of: counting only the scored break counts for determining the billiard player's current average; using between a minimum of 10 consecutive scored break counts and a maximum of 100 consecutive scored break counts for determining the billiard player's current average; determining the number of consecutive scored break counts that are to be counted toward the average with the maximum number of allowable counted break counts being 100; multiplying the Y-percent by the number of scored breaks to be averaged; dropping any resulting fraction; identifying and dropping the worst scored break counts up to and including the whole number from the above equation; totaling all of the billiard ball counts from the remaining break counts and dividing the resulting number by the number of break counts thereby obtaining a scored break average; truncating the pocket billiard average to at least one decimal point; and obtaining the billiard player's current average from the most recent number of consecutive maximum allowable number of scored break counts.
 11. The method of claim 10 comprising the further step of developing a full average for the pocket billiard player from the maximum allowable number of consecutively scored break counts.
 12. The method of claim 11 comprising the further step of developing a best full average for a bar billiard table from 50 consecutive scored break counts on the bar billiard table.
 13. The method f of claim 12 comprising the further step of developing the best full average for a regulation billiard table from 100 consecutive scored break counts on the regulation billiard table. 